This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/30/2021
Mother of Pearl Casino Chip Set. French, ca. early 20th century. Locking oak case with brass handles, containing three drawers filled with mother of pearl chips. 1,846 chips altogether, denominations and quantities comprising: $5 (600); $10 (497); $20 (250) $50 (199); $100 (200); $500 (49); and $1000 (26). Colors white, pink, yellow, and green. All chips having a lion’s head design on reverse, and the denomination on the obverse. Below the lion’s head each chip stamped with a unique inventory/identification number. Also with twenty-five $1 circular ivory chips. Size of largest chip ($1000) 2 7/8 x 1 3/8”. Chips lightly to moderately rubbed; a handful with chipped edges. Exceedingly rare in this quantity and state of completeness. This set of chips, and the two lots of gambling equipment which follow, were used in various casinos in Mexico in the 1930s, including the famous Hotel Casino de la Selva, in Cuernavaca, Mexico, a resort south of the Mexican capitol frequented by American and international travelers. The lot is accompanied by a packet of typed documents and correspondence (1931-34) from the original owner of the chips and equipment, Pedro Garcia, including contracts from across Mexico, records of disputes and payoffs, and a typed inventory of the mother of pearl set. The records indicate Garcia was hired to run and manage the games, in addition to providing the equipment. Gambling was largely banned in Mexico by 1936.